Skip to content
geeksforgeeks
  • Courses
    • DSA to Development
    • Get IBM Certification
    • Newly Launched!
      • Master Django Framework
      • Become AWS Certified
    • For Working Professionals
      • Interview 101: DSA & System Design
      • Data Science Training Program
      • JAVA Backend Development (Live)
      • DevOps Engineering (LIVE)
      • Data Structures & Algorithms in Python
    • For Students
      • Placement Preparation Course
      • Data Science (Live)
      • Data Structure & Algorithm-Self Paced (C++/JAVA)
      • Master Competitive Programming (Live)
      • Full Stack Development with React & Node JS (Live)
    • Full Stack Development
    • Data Science Program
    • All Courses
  • Tutorials
    • Data Structures & Algorithms
    • ML & Data Science
    • Interview Corner
    • Programming Languages
    • Web Development
    • CS Subjects
    • DevOps And Linux
    • School Learning
  • Practice
    • Build your AI Agent
    • GfG 160
    • Problem of the Day
    • Practice Coding Problems
    • GfG SDE Sheet
  • Contests
    • Accenture Hackathon (Ending Soon!)
    • GfG Weekly [Rated Contest]
    • Job-A-Thon Hiring Challenge
    • All Contests and Events
  • Aptitude
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Operating System
  • DBMS
  • Computer Networks
  • Digital Logic and Design
  • C Programming
  • Data Structures
  • Algorithms
  • Theory of Computation
  • Compiler Design
  • Computer Org and Architecture
Open In App
Next Article:
What is Online Privacy and how is it affected?
Next article icon

Authentication in Computer Network

Last Updated : 16 Jun, 2022
Comments
Improve
Suggest changes
Like Article
Like
Report

Prerequisite – Authentication and Authorization Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or information. User authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user when that user logs in to a computer system.

There are different types of authentication systems which are: –

1. Single-Factor authentication: – This was the first method of security that was developed. On this authentication system, the user has to enter the username and the password to confirm whether that user is logging in or not. Now if the username or password is wrong, then the user will not be allowed to log in or access the system.

Advantage of the Single-Factor Authentication System: –

  • It is a very simple to use and straightforward system.
  • it is not at all costly.
  • The user does not need any huge technical skills.

The disadvantage of the Single-Factor Authentication

  • It is not at all password secure. It will depend on the strength of the password entered by the user.
  • The protection level in Single-Factor Authentication is much low.

2. Two-factor Authentication: – In this authentication system, the user has to give a username, password, and other information. There are various types of authentication systems that are used by the user for securing the system. Some of them are: – wireless tokens and virtual tokens. OTP and more.

Advantages of the Two-Factor Authentication

  • The Two-Factor Authentication System provides better security than the Single-factor Authentication system.
  • The productivity and flexibility increase in the two-factor authentication system.
  • Two-Factor Authentication prevents the loss of trust.

Disadvantages of Two-Factor Authentication

  • It is time-consuming.

3. Multi-Factor authentication system,: – In this type of authentication, more than one factor of authentication is needed. This gives better security to the user. Any type of keylogger or phishing attack will not be possible in a Multi-Factor Authentication system. This assures the user, that the information will not get stolen from them.

The advantage of the Multi-Factor Authentication System are: –

  • No risk of security.
  • No information could get stolen.
  • No risk of any key-logger activity.
  • No risk of any data getting captured.

The disadvantage of the Multi-Factor Authentication System are: –

  • It is time-consuming.
  • it can rely on third parties. The main objective of authentication is to allow authorized users to access the computer and to deny access to unauthorized users. Operating Systems generally identify/authenticates users using the following 3 ways: Passwords, Physical identification, and Biometrics. These are explained as following below.
    1. Passwords: Password verification is the most popular and commonly used authentication technique. A password is a secret text that is supposed to be known only to a user. In a password-based system, each user is assigned a valid username and password by the system administrator. The system stores all usernames and Passwords. When a user logs in, their user name and password are verified by comparing them with the stored login name and password. If the contents are the same then the user is allowed to access the system otherwise it is rejected.
    2. Physical Identification: This technique includes machine-readable badges(symbols), cards, or smart cards. In some companies, badges are required for employees to gain access to the organization’s gate. In many systems, identification is combined with the use of a password i.e the user must insert the card and then supply his /her password. This kind of authentication is commonly used with ATMs. Smart cards can enhance this scheme by keeping the user password within the card itself. This allows authentication without the storage of passwords in the computer system. The loss of such a card can be dangerous.
    3. Biometrics: This method of authentication is based on the unique biological characteristics of each user such as fingerprints, voice or face recognition, signatures, and eyes.
    4. A scanner or other devices to gather the necessary data about the user.
    5. Software to convert the data into a form that can be compared and stored.
    6. A database that stores information for all authorized users.
    7. Facial Characteristics – Humans are differentiated on the basis of facial characteristics such as eyes, nose, lips, eyebrows, and chin shape.
    8. Fingerprints – Fingerprints are believed to be unique across the entire human population.
    9. Hand Geometry – Hand geometry systems identify features of the hand that includes the shape, length, and width of fingers.
    10. Retinal pattern – It is concerned with the detailed structure of the eye.
    11. Signature – Every individual has a unique style of handwriting, and this feature is reflected in the signatures of a person.
    12. Voice – This method records the frequency pattern of the voice of an individual speaker.

Next Article
What is Online Privacy and how is it affected?

H
harleenk_99
Improve
Article Tags :
  • Computer Networks
  • Cyber-security
  • Information-Security
  • Network-security

Similar Reads

  • Computer Fundamental Tutorial
    This Computer Fundamental Tutorial covers everything from basic to advanced concepts, including computer hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals, etc. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, this tutorial is designed to enhance your computer skills and take them to the n
    7 min read

    • Introduction To Computer Fundamentals

    • What is a Computer?
      A computer is an electronic device that processes, stores, and executes instructions to perform tasks. It includes key components such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Memory), storage (HDD/SSD), input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices (monitor, printer), and peripherals (USB drive
      13 min read
    • Basics of Computer and its Operations
      A computer is an electronic device that can receive, store, process, and output data. In simple terms, it’s a machine that helps us perform all sorts of tasks, from basic calculations to complex activities like playing games, watching videos, or even running artificial intelligence programs. Compute
      13 min read
    • Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer
      A computer is a machine that follows instructions to perform specific tasks and deliver results very quickly. It is designed to solve complex problems, process information, store and retrieve data and carry out calculations much faster and more accurately than humans. The word "computer" originally
      6 min read
    • Classification of Computers
      Computers come in a wide variety of forms and serve countless purposes. They can range from tiny embedded systems to massive supercomputers, each designed to perform specific tasks. By organizing them based on factors such as size, function, and intended use, we can better understand the unique role
      11 min read
    • Basic Applications of Computers
      The term computer was taken from the Greek word compute means calculation and the computer was a person or device that did computation. In this article, we will learn what exactly a computer is, how it affects our lives, and the applications of computers in our lives. What is a Computer?A computer i
      5 min read

    History and Evolution of Computers

    • History of Computers
      Before the invention of computers, people relied on simple tools like sticks, stones, and bones to keep track of numbers and perform basic calculations. As technology progressed and human understanding grew, more advanced devices were developed, such as the abacus and Napier's Bones. While these ear
      10 min read
    • Evolution of Generation of Computers
      The generation of computers refers to the progression of computer technology over time, marked by key advancements in hardware and software. These advancements are divided into five generations, each defined by improvements in processing power, size, efficiency, and overall capabilities. Starting wi
      6 min read

    Components of a Computer System

    • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
      CPU [Central Processing Unit]. It is the brain of the computer. It is the part that does most of the work in a computer system. Just like how our brain controls our body and processes information, the CPU carries out instructions from programs and performs calculations. It's made up of smaller compo
      10 min read
    • Input Devices
      Input devices are important parts of a computer that help us communicate with the system. These devices let us send data or commands to the computer, allowing it to process information and perform tasks. Simply put, an input device is any tool we use to give the computer instructions, whether it's t
      11 min read
    • What are Different Output Devices?
      Output devices are hardware that display or produce the results of a computer's processing. They convert digital data into formats we can see, hear, or touch. Examples include monitors, printers, and speakers. These devices are essential for helping us interact with and understand the information th
      11 min read
    • Computer Hardware
      Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that you can see and touch. These components work together to process input and deliver output based on user instructions. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of computer hardware, their functions, and how they interact
      10 min read
    • What is a Computer Software?
      Computer Software serves as the backbone of all digital devices and systems. It is an integral part of modern technology. Unlike hardware which comprises physical components, software is intangible and exists as a code written in programming language. This article focuses on discussing computer soft
      9 min read

    Computer Hardware

    • What is a Motherboard?
      Imagine your computer as a big city, and the motherboard as the main road system connecting all the important buildings—like the CPU (the brain), RAM (the memory), and storage (the library). Without the motherboard, these parts couldn’t talk to each other, and your computer wouldn’t work. This artic
      9 min read
    • Random Access Memory (RAM)
      Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that stores data temporarily. When you turn off your computer, the data in RAM disappears, unlike the data on your hard drive, which stays saved. RAM helps your computer run programs and process information faster. This is similar to how the br
      11 min read
    • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Secondary Memory
      Primary memory, like RAM, is limited and volatile, losing data when power is off. Secondary memory solves this by providing large, permanent storage for data and programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) is a fixed storage device inside a computer that is used for long-term data storage. Unlike RAM, HDDs re
      11 min read
    • Introduction to Solid-State Drive (SSD)
      A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is a non-volatile storage device that stores data without using any moving parts, unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which have spinning disks and mechanical read/write heads. Because of this, SSDs are much faster, more durable, and quieter than HDDs. They load fil
      7 min read
    • What is a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)?
      Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized processor originally designed to render images and graphics efficiently for computer displays. In recent years, GPUs have evolved into powerful co-processors that excel at performing parallel computations, making them indispensable for tasks beyond gra
      6 min read
    • What is Power Supply Unit (PSU)?
      A PSU is a type of internal hardware used in information technology systems. Power Supply Units (PSUs), despite their name, transform power rather than providing it to systems. In particular, a power supply regulates the DC output voltage to the precise tolerances needed for contemporary computing c
      14 min read

    Computer Software

    • What is a Computer Software?
      Computer Software serves as the backbone of all digital devices and systems. It is an integral part of modern technology. Unlike hardware which comprises physical components, software is intangible and exists as a code written in programming language. This article focuses on discussing computer soft
      9 min read
    • Software and its Types
      Software is a collection of instructions, data, or computer programs that are used to run machines and carry out particular activities. It is the antithesis of hardware, which refers to a computer's external components. A device's running programs, scripts, and applications are collectively referred
      7 min read
    • What is Application Software?
      A computer is a piece of electronic equipment. Because it is powered by electricity, it is referred to as an electronic device. It accepts data, processes it, and outputs the appropriate results. The output of a computer system is also known as the result of the computer system. The computer system
      10 min read
    • System Software
      System software refers to the low-level software that manages and controls a computer's hardware and provides basic services to higher-level software. There are two main types of software: systems software and application software. Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to managin
      12 min read
    • Utility Software
      Utility software is a type of software that is designed to help users manage, maintain, and optimize their computer systems. Utility software includes a wide range of tools and applications that perform specific tasks to improve the performance, security, and functionality of a computer system.  Tab
      8 min read

    Input Devices

    • What is a Keyboard?
      Computers have two types of devices – Input and Output devices. Input devices are those devices which take commands from user and convey it to the computers in the form of digital signals. Whereas, output devices are those which display or present the result to the user according to the commands giv
      7 min read
    • What is a Mouse in Computer?
      A computer mouse is a small, handheld device used to control a computer by interacting with its Graphical User Interface (GUI). It typically has two buttons (left and right) and a scroll wheel, allowing users to perform actions like clicking, dragging, and scrolling. The mouse is moved across a surf
      6 min read
    • What is a Joystick?
      A joystick is a pointing and controlling device that is commonly used for controlling video games and moving required objects on the system screen. An input device which is called a joystick is used to control a machine or character in a computer program, like an aircraft in a flight simulator syste
      8 min read
    • What is a Light Pen?
      A light pen is a type of pointing input device that detects light and is frequently used to select or alter text or data on a screen. These devices, when used with a CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor, were an early method of highlighting and modifying data on the screen. What is a Light Pen?A light pen
      6 min read
    • What is Scanner?
      A scanner is an electrical device can read and translate text, images, and other materials into a digital signal. This transforms the documents into a format that computer software programs can use to view and/or edit them. There are many different types of scanners with various resolutions on the m
      7 min read
    • What is Optical Character Recognition (OCR)?
      By digitizing the document's content, text-encased image files are produced. Word processing software cannot process text in photos the same way it does text documents. By transforming text photos into text data that can be evaluated by other business tools, OCR technology finds a solution to the is
      5 min read
    • What is a Barcode Reader?
      When you visit a supermarket, you might see the cashier scanning a code on the product at the billing counter. Within fractions of minutes, they calculate the total price and create the bill. The cashier can do the billing process faster with the help of a scanner. The scanner that is used to scan t
      5 min read
    • What is WebCam?
      A webcam is a small video camera connected to a computer via USB, used for capturing and transmitting video over the internet. It's commonly used for video conferencing, live streaming, and real-time communication. Webcams can be built into devices or be external, often featuring built-in microphone
      10 min read

    Output Devices

    • What is a Speaker?
      Computer Speakers or Multimedia speakers we all heard of it, knew it, and even used it in our day-to-day life. They are found everywhere from home appliances to industries, high-corporation factories, and organizations but especially in movie theatres, concerts, and public sessions. It is one of the
      7 min read
    • What is a Printer?
      A printer is a device that accepts text and graphics output from a computer, and it transfers this information to paper, sheets. Printers can print any information that has been passed to them, whether it be Text, Numbers or Images. It depends on the type of printer that determines what quality or c
      6 min read
    • What is a Monitor?
      A computer monitor is an output device that shows visual data, such as text, images, or videos, on a screen. It typically includes a display panel, supporting circuitry, power unit, enclosure, connectors for external devices, and controls for user interaction. The word "monitor" is derived from the
      10 min read
    • What is a Plotter?
      Plotter uses multicolored automatic pens to create lines on paper and reads computer orders. It can create charts, maps, graphs, drawings, and more. It uses one or more automated pens to draw a line. What is a Plotter?A plotter is basically a type of printer technology. It is a computer output devic
      8 min read
    • What is a Projector?
      Any peripheral that accepts data from a computer and prints, projects, or reproduces it is known as an output device. The output may be audio, video, hard copy – printed paper, etc. Output devices convert the computer data to human understandable form. The projector is also an output device. Let's d
      9 min read
    • What are Headphones?
      Headphones are a type of hardware output device that can be connected to a computer's line-out or speakers port, as well as wirelessly using Bluetooth. They are also referred to as earbuds. You can watch a movie or listen to audio without bothering anyone nearby by using headphones. What are Headpho
      7 min read

    Data Storage and Memory

    • What is a Storage Device? Definition, Types, Examples
      The storage unit is a part of the computer system which is employed to store the information and instructions to be processed. A storage device is an integral part of the computer hardware which stores information/data to process the result of any computational work. Without a storage device, a comp
      11 min read
    • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Secondary Memory
      Primary memory, like RAM, is limited and volatile, losing data when power is off. Secondary memory solves this by providing large, permanent storage for data and programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) is a fixed storage device inside a computer that is used for long-term data storage. Unlike RAM, HDDs re
      11 min read
    • Introduction to Solid-State Drive (SSD)
      A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is a non-volatile storage device that stores data without using any moving parts, unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which have spinning disks and mechanical read/write heads. Because of this, SSDs are much faster, more durable, and quieter than HDDs. They load fil
      7 min read
    • Optical Storage Systems
      THe Optical memory is an electronic storage medium that uses a laser beam to store and retrieve digital (binary) data. In optical storage technology, a laser beam encodes digital data on an optical disc or laser disc in the form of tiny pits arranged in a spiral pattern on the surface of the disc. D
      6 min read
    • What is Flash Drive?
      The flash drive, born in the early 2000s with the "DISKONKEY," revolutionized data storage. Initially offering 8 megabytes, it evolved into a compact, portable marvel, devoid of moving parts and relying on NAND flash memory. This technology, organized into pages and blocks, facilitates read, write,
      11 min read
    • What is a Memory Card?
      In this age of digitalization, where most of the information is already converted into digital format a compact chip become basic requirement to store this huge amount information. As result memory card already have become very common in our modern electrical devices, memory card can be considered a
      11 min read

    Computer Memory

    • Computer Memory
      Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to store data/information and instructions. It is a data storage unit or a data storage device where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored. It can store both the input and output can be stored here. It's f
      8 min read
    • What is Register Memory?
      Register memory is a type of computer memory that consists of a small set of storage locations within the central processing unit (CPU) itself. These storage locations, known as registers, are used to store data temporarily during the execution of a program. More and bigger registers allow faster CP
      7 min read
    • Cache Memory
      Cache memory is a special type of high-speed memory located close to the CPU in a computer. It stores frequently used data and instructions, So that the CPU can access them quickly, improving the overall speed and efficiency of the computer. It is a faster and smaller segment of memory whose access
      7 min read
    • Primary Memory
      Primary storage or memory is also known as the main memory, which is the part of the computer that stores current data, programs, and instructions. Primary storage is stored in the motherboard which results in the data from and to primary storage can be read and written at a very good pace. What is
      4 min read
    • Secondary Memory
      Secondary memory, also known as secondary storage, refers to the storage devices and systems used to store data persistently, even when the computer is powered off. Unlike primary memory (RAM), which is fast and temporary, secondary memory is slower but offers much larger storage capacities. Some Ex
      7 min read
    • Introduction to memory and memory units
      Memory is required to save data and instructions. Memory is divided into cells, and they are stored in the storage space present in the computer. Every cell has its unique location/address. Memory is very essential for a computer as this is the way it becomes somewhat more similar to a human brain.
      11 min read
geeksforgeeks-footer-logo
Corporate & Communications Address:
A-143, 7th Floor, Sovereign Corporate Tower, Sector- 136, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (201305)
Registered Address:
K 061, Tower K, Gulshan Vivante Apartment, Sector 137, Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201305
GFG App on Play Store GFG App on App Store
Advertise with us
  • Company
  • About Us
  • Legal
  • Privacy Policy
  • In Media
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with us
  • GFG Corporate Solution
  • Placement Training Program
  • Languages
  • Python
  • Java
  • C++
  • PHP
  • GoLang
  • SQL
  • R Language
  • Android Tutorial
  • Tutorials Archive
  • DSA
  • Data Structures
  • Algorithms
  • DSA for Beginners
  • Basic DSA Problems
  • DSA Roadmap
  • Top 100 DSA Interview Problems
  • DSA Roadmap by Sandeep Jain
  • All Cheat Sheets
  • Data Science & ML
  • Data Science With Python
  • Data Science For Beginner
  • Machine Learning
  • ML Maths
  • Data Visualisation
  • Pandas
  • NumPy
  • NLP
  • Deep Learning
  • Web Technologies
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • ReactJS
  • NextJS
  • Bootstrap
  • Web Design
  • Python Tutorial
  • Python Programming Examples
  • Python Projects
  • Python Tkinter
  • Python Web Scraping
  • OpenCV Tutorial
  • Python Interview Question
  • Django
  • Computer Science
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Network
  • Database Management System
  • Software Engineering
  • Digital Logic Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Software Development
  • Software Testing
  • DevOps
  • Git
  • Linux
  • AWS
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
  • Azure
  • GCP
  • DevOps Roadmap
  • System Design
  • High Level Design
  • Low Level Design
  • UML Diagrams
  • Interview Guide
  • Design Patterns
  • OOAD
  • System Design Bootcamp
  • Interview Questions
  • Inteview Preparation
  • Competitive Programming
  • Top DS or Algo for CP
  • Company-Wise Recruitment Process
  • Company-Wise Preparation
  • Aptitude Preparation
  • Puzzles
  • School Subjects
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Social Science
  • English Grammar
  • Commerce
  • World GK
  • GeeksforGeeks Videos
  • DSA
  • Python
  • Java
  • C++
  • Web Development
  • Data Science
  • CS Subjects
@GeeksforGeeks, Sanchhaya Education Private Limited, All rights reserved
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy
Lightbox
Improvement
Suggest Changes
Help us improve. Share your suggestions to enhance the article. Contribute your expertise and make a difference in the GeeksforGeeks portal.
geeksforgeeks-suggest-icon
Create Improvement
Enhance the article with your expertise. Contribute to the GeeksforGeeks community and help create better learning resources for all.
geeksforgeeks-improvement-icon
Suggest Changes
min 4 words, max Words Limit:1000

Thank You!

Your suggestions are valuable to us.

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Interview Experiences
Admission Experiences
Career Journeys
Work Experiences
Campus Experiences
Competitive Exam Experiences